Timex’s Cult Military Watch Undergoes Its Most Radical Transformation Ever

The latest rendition of the Camper sees the iconic timepiece join one watchmaking’s most polarizing trends.

Close-up of a black Timex watch face with white numerals and hands showing the time at 10:03:35.

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By Jack Seemer

Published March 16, 2026

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Some watches simply punch above their weight class. That has never felt more true for the Camper.

Born in 1983, the watch is the civilian version of the MIL-W-46374B watch produced by Timex (and others) for the US military. It’s plastic, cheap and beloved, with no shortage of fans.

MacGyver wore one, as did Josh Brolin’s character in No Country for Old Men. So, too, have countless students, hikers and collectors over the last 43 years.

But now it may win over an entirely new generation of admirers.

Black Timex wristwatch without strap placed on the back of a hand under sunlight. — It’s a Camper alright. Just smaller.

Good thing, small package

Timex Japan recently unveiled a new rendition of the iconic timepiece, transforming the Camper into a trendy ring watch.

Black Timex wristwatch with white numerals and hands in a black fabric case held in a hand. — The Original Camper Ring Watch is a collaboration between Timex and the Japanese brand Beams Boy.

Black Timex watch face with white numerals held between fingers over denim fabric. — Like the name implies, the watch is designed to be worn around one’s finger rather than their wrist.

The treatment, produced alongside Beams Boy, follows that of the Casio CRW-001-1JR, G-Shock Nano DWN-5600 and even Timex’s own collaboration with French fashion house Maison Margiela.

Hand wearing a gold digital watch ring resting on beige pants with visible stitching and metal rivets. — This isn’t Timex’x first ring watch. Last fall it shrunk the T80 in a collaboration with Maison Margiela (pictured).

According to an Instagram post shared by Timex, the new model is the result of more than a decade of requests to turn the Camper into a ring watch, even though the trend only took off in the last year.

View this post on Instagram

Regardless, the Original Camper Ring Watch shares the lightweight resin case of the full-size model (which measures 34mm).

However, the nylon strap makes way for a stainless steel expansion band that accommodates ring sizes 9 through 15.

Rest assured that despite its size, the miniature model is still a fully functional field watch, with a crown three o’clock that adjusts the time.

Hand holding a black Timex Beams Boy watch showing the back case with metal stretch band. — While a nylon strap would have been more authentic, an expandable metal band likely makes the Original Camper Ring Watch more comfortable to wear.

Availability and pricing

The Timex x Beams Boy Original Camper Ring Watch will be available from April 3 but neither brand has yet to confirm which markets are set to receive it.

In Japan, it carries a price tag of 19,140 Japanese yen (approximately $120), and there’s a chance it remains exclusive to the overseas websites of Timex and Beams.

Small black Timex wristwatch held between fingers showing time 1:50.

Timex x Beams Boy Original Camper Ring Watch

$120 at Beams

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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